August is New Experiment Month as Lanark’s ONfungi looks at soil based CO2 sequestration
Emma Roy, our new biologist, is launching two new CO2 sequestration and soil experiments in August. These experiments are for Lanark area citizen scientists and are done at home.
“ONfungi is looking at ways to improve soil and sequester carbon. The lawn test will be interesting,” says Roy, “It should actually sequester carbon. We’ll find out.”
The first experiment is “easy” and looks at root growth using the fungi starter. As a bonus ONfungi also looks at carbon sequestration in lawn soils.
The rooting test is done over two weeks (or more if you like). The experiment uses your garden soil and a small amount of the ONfungi starter. Root growth is measured and web reporting is easily done. The cost for the kit is $30 including shipping and tax. The kit is available at ONfungi.net through their Fundrzr campaign.
A bonus offer of ONfungi starter is included to allow you to try a soil inoculation and sequestration experiment. Two experiments in one!
These experiments are suitable for a wide range of ages; from 8 to 88. Emma is doing an easy to follow set up guide.
The second experiment uses four plots in your garden to look more closely at soil changes as well as plant growth and root development. This experiment works more closely with Emma and may require additional shipping and labour on the experimenters part. More for the high school range experimenter.
Cost is $150. You recieve Emma’s support as well as the required ONfungi starter and illustrated guide.
All experiments will be featured on the ONfungi.net website. Luca LaFontaine, despite his new job and bicycle accident, is working to improve the website and reporting.
“We’re really delighted how people have grabbed onto the idea. Fundrzr is not charging us any fees they like what were doing so much. Emma is a biology grad and intern provided through a program for science. The quality of this idea is very good,” said Project Developer Kelvin Hodges, a Perth resident.
“We just need the publics help. Their data is really what’s important. The idea of soil sequestration is very popular right now and we’re offering a “here at home” opportunity to save the planet. Very pleased,” added Hodges.
Emma Roy with photo of root test showing the (Y) fungi treated seed result vs (X) non treated.
